So far so good. I've captured some test footage in the V gamma and the squeeze mode, in each case using 24p and comparing to 30i. Nothing scientific yet, so no need to inquire as to all settings, etc. I've only had it for about 5 hours.

One small annoying point, there appears to be something slightly loose in the optical VF such than when tipped sharply there is a very soft click that can be picked up on the onboard mics (although it takes quite a tip of the camera, which wouldn't happen in normal shooting, and would certainly not be audible when using XLR mics). Note I know about the 'clunk' in other circumstances and this isn't that. This is in the optical VF. Anyone else experience this?

Squeeze mode is surprisingly good, albeit, again, just an impression so far. The V gamma is clearly different than the other gamma settings. Still exploring.....more to come.

Where'd you get it, and how much did you pay?

More importantly, can you please put it in a nice, well padded box and ship it to me? It would make it a very merry Christmas for me. :)

Lucky dog.

Abel Cinetek -- they said they got 25 on Friday and mine, ordered yesterday, was 3rd to last. Ordered some separate things at B&H and upon mentioning that I actually had one in hand, they were in disbelief. I wonder why the disparity in deliveries to distributors. Sounds like everyone will have them next week though, so no big deal.

Nice. So far, any more perks that are different from the DVX100?

i am sitting here waiting for mr. ups with my dvx-100a from able cinema as well!

b&h told me to be careful that panasonic hadn't even shipped ANY dvx-100a's yet and they wondered what would actually be in the box!

matthew

Anyone know why B&H is so behind the ball? First they said they didn't know anything about it because it hadn't been announced yet (when it had), now they are saying none are shipping yet when it looks like they indeed are.

B&H is a good company but due the size of the inventory and range of products they sell, the DVX-100 and all DV cameras is a small fraction of their business compared to other dealers that it's the main or considerable source of revenue.

It's just a radar issue.

Stuart, could you tell me how AbelCineTech shipped your AG-DVX100A? They shipped mine in the Panasonic camcorder box alone, no larger box at all. Is this normal? Does anyone know if these camcorder boxes are meant to be shipping boxes like this? I'm assuming they are because they do have a shipping label on them from the factories but even then when I order from B&H Photo they ship the products in a larger box with styrofoam.

Able shipped me my new DVX100A! in just the panasonic box.

it was in excellent shape and i never thought anything of it.

great people to deal with.

matthew

I thought it was a little strange also but it didn't appear to affect anything that I could see (no box dents, etc). They shipped some extras I purchased in separate box. I give them a B/B+ overall -- they said they would fax and email me certain info, etc. and didn't without repeated calls (and in one case didn't at all). On the other hand they shipped when promised and it was the holidays, etc.

As also a VX2000 owner I will say that the 100A, albeit about $1500 more, is clearly not as well constructed in my mind. The buttons and controls are a bit more plasticy/not as solidly built. Then again, I know I'm paying for 24p/gamma functionality and Panny had to make choices for the price point.

I very much like the combo of the 100A and Vegas. Vegas has presets now for the widescreen and I've had no problems so far. The camera preset for 3200K white is handy and in a few tests its right on the money. Audio has been terrific so far (I use an AT4071a and AT4073a).

Is the DVX100A going to be THE cam for the next couple of years OR is there a cam on the horizon that will be the new standard?

Panasonic's SDX900 is probably "the" camera for a while. But if you can't swing the $50,000+ that it will set you back the DVX100/DVX100A will be the poor man's version of "the" camera for those interested in video filmmaking.

Yet to be seen how Sony and Canon will respond but thus far Canon is mute and Sony's tepid brand-refreshing PD170 and VX2100 are leaving buyers drowsy.

All of the DVX100's I ordered were shipped in a single box as that's the way Panasonic shipped them out. Based on how the camera box works, double boxing would serve only to protect the original packaging or protect against severe shipping abuse.

Certainly, doubleboxing is nice, but not necessary and only adds to your cost. I wouldn't consider it a big deal.

>As also a VX2000 owner I will say that the 100A, albeit about $1500 more, is clearly not as well constructed in my mind.<

As a VX2000 occasional user (my buddy's), and a in-store player of the DVX100 (haven't seen the "A" yet), I have to say that I think the DVX100 is a very well built/solid cam---and it's light, balanced and easy to hold---unlike the VX2000.

(The only thing that I thought was cheesy was the 2nd ring up front---but I think it has been "tightened" in the "A" model).

Certainly agree on balance -- and the 100A seems even better than the 100's I've held. But the joystick, on/off button, and certain other controls are a bit flimsy. Making menu changes is also difficult with the joystick because there is little resistence. Don't get me wrong, I love the camera, but want to be honest about both up and downsides.

Speaking of upsides, the super slow zoom is really fantastic.

Stuart, Matthew, and Stephen - thanks for the replies. Just wanted to double-check and ensure that this was normal, and that it wasn't some kind of mistake. By all appearances the camera looks and works fine. Stephen, where did you purchase your AG-DVX100's from? Each time, they just shipped you the camera in its original carton, correct? I won't concern myself if this is the case with everyone, thanks.

Stuart, I've never used the joystick control on the camera itself for the reasons you stated. The remote control is perfect for this though, even if I'm right next to the camera. Try it, I think you'll like the remote better for navigating the menu.

Not so sure about other buttons though. Will have to see in the long run.

I have to agree with the zoom too. Its smooth! Looking forward to trying out the other features.

Yet to be seen how Sony and Canon will respond but thus far Canon is mute and Sony's tepid brand-refreshing PD170 and VX2100 are leaving buyers drowsy.
Witty but true summary of the competition right now!

only thing about the camera that i could find fault with is the power switch, its not a big deal but at least on mine, unless you slide the little switch 100% up, firmly, it won't come up, it will stop like 95% of the way up and you will think it really is all the way up but its pretty obvious when nothing lights up.

not a big deal but it just feels like a slightly cheesy switch vs. all of the other camera's i've had or used.

its funny, if you call b&h and ask about anything, when they ask you what camera you have and you say dvx-100A they say, no, you couldn't have the A, it hasn't been released by panasonic yet

matthew